Preserving the Legacy

Bronzing the Statue

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With the blessing of the original artists, the foundation has preserved the sculpture of John Peters Humphrey as public art by replacing the wooden bench with stone, and by having the wooden sculpture bronzed.

Simply put, John Peters Humphrey is showing his age. After over thirteen years of exposure to the elements, his wooden likeness is showing serious deterioration. This was to be expected as an art piece created out of wood, and over the years the Foundation at its own expense has had repairs and touch-ups done as needed. In later years, a winter cover was built for the most extreme weather and the original wooden laminated bench was covered. But there comes a point in time when that is not enough and when something more permanent must be done. That point has come.

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Throughout the year, the sculpture site is a draw for people to sit alongside the figure of Humphrey in quiet thought. The two, three-meter sandstone monoliths that form part of the site have articles of the declaration carved into it in English, French, and Mi’kmaq languages, and surrounding interpretive panels tell the story of Humphrey, his history, and his worldly accomplishments.

 

Visitors to our town seek out the site. John Peters Humphrey has been woven into our town’s tourism messaging and this public art piece has been a catalyst for other works of art in our town with human rights/environmental messaging. Young and old alike learn about what human rights are in a tangible way in our town and beyond. We want to preserve all of that and continue to build upon it.

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Project Complete   April 30, 2023

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